TRENTON, N.J. - Thanks to the generosity of scores of employees and friends of Mercer County government, local children will have a very merry holiday this year as County Executive Brian M. Hughes presented piles of donated gifts to Rise of Hightstown on Dec. 20 in the County Executive’s conference room.

Hughes turned over the gifts to Rise Director Leslie Koppel, who said the array of toys, books, stuffed animals and mittens will greatly help the organization supply gifts to hundreds of children in Mercer County. Koppel and Rise recently held a holiday party for nearly 700 children.

In addition to the presents donated by Mercer County employees, Kenneth Emma of Kennections Hair Salon in Lawrence, NJ, personally delivered several sacks of toys.

“I am overwhelmed once again by the compassion our employees and our community show during the holidays. These gifts are going to children who might have received little to nothing during the holiday season, and our donors’ generosity will bring joy to many children and relief to their parents,” Hughes said.

Koppel also thanked L. Davino and Sons Greenhouses of Hightstown for supplying the agency with a truck to transport the gifts to Rise’s offices in Hightstown.